Minister Guu stressed the importance of starting the school year with students present and learning. The goal is to ensure that every day of the academic calendar contributes to a total of eight hours of learning, leading to 230 effective school days. This approach emphasizes the necessity of uninterrupted educational time, which is critical for students' academic success.
The minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the scholar transport program, particularly in the Eastern Cape. She assured the public that the provincial government is dedicated to resolving these issues in accordance with legal mandates and community expectations. Reliable transport for students is vital for facilitating access to quality education.
During school visits, Minister Guu engaged with students who voiced their ambitions and dreams. One student articulated a desire to become a neurologist, motivated by hard work and dedication. The minister's optimism extends to achieving a high matric pass rate, reflecting confidence in both the students’ efforts and teachers’ abilities.
In a recent address, Minister Guu conveyed a positive outlook for the 2025 Academic Year, emphasizing that all necessary learner-teacher support materials have been delivered to provinces. The minister encouraged academic staff nationwide to start the year with vigor, noting the importance of having students in school from day one. She reiterated the commitment to maximizing learning hours, with a target of eight hours a day, and 230 days in a year without disruptions. The call for community support to maintain a peaceful learning environment was also a focal point, underlining the necessity of safeguarding instructional time. Another significant issue highlighted was the scholar transport program, particularly affecting education in the Eastern Cape. Minister Guu assured that the provincial government is committed to addressing these transportation challenges. The aim is not only to comply with court orders but also to meet community demands for reliable scholar transport services. This initiative is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education for all students, particularly those in underserved areas. During her school visits, including Hilltown High School in Fort Bort, the minister engaged with matriculants who expressed their aspirations for the future. One student shared their ambition to become a neurologist, illustrating the drive among learners to achieve their dreams through hard work and dedication to their studies. Minister Guu's optimism extends to the province's goal of achieving a 90% pass rate for the matric class of 2025, reflecting confidence in both the students and teachers who play a vital role in this educational journey.